Honeywell announced a new MD Discount (MD) store in San Giovanni in Persiceto, Italy, is the first supermarket in the country to use Solstice L40X (R-455A).
Solstice L40X is a ready-now, low-global-warming-potential (GWP), energy-efficient hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)-blend solution for commercial refrigeration applications such as small- and medium-size supermarkets, food service, cold rooms and freezer rooms. With support from their contractor ARNEG, MD selected Solstice L40X for its projected optimal energy-efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The refrigerant has a low-GWP of 146, which allows MD to remain compliant with the European Union Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulation (EU F-Gas Regulation) calling on retailers to phase down the use of high-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants. Solstice L40X can be installed and serviced by routine contractors and its high critical temperature and low critical pressure characteristics make it ideal for high ambient temperatures.
“MD is committed to using solutions that support our energy-efficiency and sustainability initiatives, which currently includes refrigeration control through remote electricity monitoring systems as well as the use of refrigerated trucks powered by clean energy,” said Michele Aiello, Technical Director, MD. “We are now engaging with Honeywell to further our work in this area and implement Solstice L40X in our new San Giovanni in Persiceto store, which is projected to support a lifetime cost savings of approximately €260,000 and 25% lower lifetime emissions compared with carbon dioxide for that store alone. Selecting HFO solutions like Solstice L40X is critical for us as we continue to grow our food retail chain and focus on making choices that are better for the environment.”
“Honeywell’s energy-efficient Solstice L40X is ready-now to address small- and medium-size supermarkets’ refrigeration needs and environmental transformation goals, while complying with regulatory requirements,” said Julien Soulet, vice president and general manager, Fluorine Products, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Honeywell Advanced Materials. “This comprehensive solution part of Honeywell’s Solstice line of HFO refrigerants will support food retailers such as MD with driving towards carbon neutrality targets, reducing energy bills and improving their bottom line.”
Honeywell has invested more than one billion dollars in research, development and new capacity for its Solstice technology, having anticipated the need for lower-GWP solutions to combat climate change more than a decade ago. The product line, which helps customers lower their greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency without sacrificing end-product performance, includes refrigerants for supermarkets and heat pumps, air conditioning for cars and trucks, blowing agents for insulation, propellants for personal and household care, solvents for cleaning solutions and are being evaluated for use in metered-dose inhalers.
